Articles

Articles  ·  Events
GACN 2021 HEALTH & CHARITY WALK – TRIAL RUN 1

As part of preparations for the various End of Year activities, GACN is organising a charity walk themed “Walk for Health and Community (WHC)”. The initiative is consistent with HSSE measures to promote well-being of personnel in GACN while also being responsive to the community. The maiden edition of the walk is scheduled to hold on Saturday 27th November 2021.

However, to adequately prepare and equip personnel for the charity walk, GACN organised the 1st trial run on Saturday 25th September 2021. The event commenced at 7.30am with an aerobics session which was facilitated by a professional trainer.

Thereafter, at about 8.15am, personnel commenced the walk from GACN offices located in Asokoro, Abuja and got to Federal High Court, Central Business District before returning via the same route to cover a distance of ~7km.

On ground to provide support services were officers of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and Medicaid Center who provided a stand-by ambulance.

Personnel arrived the GACN offices at about 10am where a debrief session was organised by the HSSE Team. Light refreshments were also served.

The 2nd trial run is scheduled to take place on Saturday 23rd October 2021.

Event Pictures

Trial Run 6
Trial Run 8
Trial Run 4
Trial Run 3
Trial Run 2
Trial Run 5
Trial Run 7

Articles  ·  Events
2021 KADUNA INVESTMENT AND ECONOMIC SUMMIT

The Kaduna State Government hosted the 6th edition of its annual Investment and Economic Summit on 23rd September through 24th September 2021. The event took place at the Umar Musa Yar’adua Hall, Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna, Kaduna State.

The theme for this year’s event, KADINVEST 6.0, was “Towards a Sustainable Knowledge-Based Economy”.

Some of the notable speakers at the Summit were His Excellency, Prof Yemi Osibajo, Vice-President, Nigeria; His Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi II; His Excellency, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, Executive Governor, Kaduna State; Dr (Mrs) Hadiza Balarabe, Deputy Governor, Kaduna State; Prof Celestin Monga, Professor at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government; Prof Benedict Oroma, President Afrexim Bank and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, former Governor, Osun State, amongst others. 

The annual summit has continued to serve as a veritable platform for Kaduna State to showcase the business opportunities and consolidate on the gains of some of the ongoing reforms such as Ease of Doing Business.

In furtherance of the ongoing collaboration between GACN and the Kaduna State Government to ensure effective penetration of gas utilization in Kaduna State, GACN participated in KADINVEST 6.0. The GACN delegation comprised of Mrs. Yetunde Odejobi, Manager Operations, and Mrs. Ruqaiyah Saidu, Senior Public Affairs Advisor.

Articles  ·  Publications
10 SECURITY TIPS TO HELP PROTECT YOUR LIFE AND PROPERTY

Nigeria has been faced with series of increasing security issues over the past decade. More predominantly, since the inception of Boko Haram in 2002 several threats to national security including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, robberies, clashes between herders and farmers, etc. have emerged and equally become menaces to our society.

Notwithstanding the nation’s investments and efforts to curb these emerging security challenges, it is also important for individuals to adopt and apply practical personal safety and security measures. Listed below, are a few tips to help protect lives and properties:

  1. Always use your security locks when inside your homes, cars, offices/business places as this may proof useful in preventing intruders from unauthorized access;
  2. Avoid taking the same routes consistently If you work-out, go to work or take children to school especially where there are alternate routesl;
  3. Always inform trustworthy relatives/friends about your whereabouts. Ensure to share useful information such as the name(s) and phone number(s) of the person you are meeting with, in case of any eventuality;
  4. Do not accept and/or give rides to strangers as you may be vulnerable to attacks from individuals with malicious intentions;
  5. Always conduct thorough background checks on prospective domestic staff such as gatemen/resident security, drivers, cooks, gardeners, nannies, cleaners etc. before employing them;
  6. There is security in numbers! Should you engage in work outs, jogging, walking, running etc., always ensure you do so in concert with others.
  7. Be mindful of the information shared during interactions in public including telephone calls made or received in public as you may unintentionally pass vital information to criminals.
  8. Avoid using Automatic Teller Machines (“ATMs”) at night as this reduces the likelihood of robbery attacks however, where you must, ensure to use ATMs that are located within premises with ample lighting.
  9. Install alarm system in your homes, offices and cars in order to fend off burglars from breaking into your homes, offices and cars.
  10. Ensure you keep updated contacts of security agencies and personnel within your environs in case of an emergency.
Articles  ·  Publications
All You Need to Know About the COVID-19 AstraZeneca Vaccine

As of December 2020, there are over 200 vaccine candidates for COVID-19 being developed. Of these, at least 52 candidate vaccines are in human trials.

COVID-19 Vaccines

The best COVID-19 vaccine is the first one that is available to you. Do not wait for a specific brand. All currently authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines are safe, are effective, and reduce your risk of severe illness.

The AstraZeneca Vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is a vaccine used to protect people aged 18 years and older.

COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca stimulates the body’s natural defences (immune system). It causes the body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the virus. 

This will help to protect you against COVID-19 in the future. None of the ingredients in this vaccine can cause COVID-19.

How Efficacious is the Vaccine?

The EU medicines agency (EMA), EMA has thoroughly assessed the data on the quality, safety and efficacy of the vaccine and has recommended granting a conditional marketing authorisation for people aged 18 and above. The AZD1222 vaccine against COVID-19 has an efficacy of 63.09% against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Longer dose intervals within the 8 to 12 weeks range are associated with greater vaccine efficacy.

Does the Vaccine Prevent Infection & Transmission?

There is no substantive data available related to impact of ADZ1222 on transmission or viral shedding. In the meantime, we must maintain and strengthen public health measures that work, namely, masking, physical distancing handwashing, respiratory and cough hygiene, avoiding crowds and ensuring good ventilation. As of 19 April 2021, the AstraZeneca vaccine is safe and effective at protecting people from the extremely serious risks of COVID-19, including death, hospitalization and severe disease (WHO, 2021).

Concerns about the AstraZeneca Vaccine

The EU medicines agency (EMA) has said clotting should be listed as a rare vaccine side effect. After a study looking at 86 such cases in the EU, the EMA concluded the benefits of the vaccine outweighed the risk and that there was no definite causal link.

Warning and Precautions

Tell your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse before you get vaccinated if:

  • You have ever had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) after any other vaccine injection.
  • You currently have a severe infection with a high temperature (over 38°C).

However, a mild fever or infection, like a cold, are not reasons to delay vaccination.

Articles  ·  Events
GACN, KDSG AND NNPC SIGNS MOU FOR GAS UTILISATION AND OPTIMIZATION IN KADUNA STATE

The Gas Aggregation Company Nigeria Limited (“GACN”), the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (“NNPC”) and the Kaduna State Government (“KDSG”) on Thursday, 26th August, 2021, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) to expand gas supply and utilisation in Kaduna state. The signing ceremony which was hosted by the Kaduna State Government at the State Government house was attended by the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari, the Group Executive Director, Gas & Power-NNPC, Mallam Mohammed Abdulkabir Ahmed, the Managing Director of GACN, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye amongst other high-profile attendees.

While speaking at the signing ceremony, Mallam Kyari noted that the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline (the “AKK Pipieline”) will be delivered on schedule. He added that the completion and commissioning of the AKK Pipeline will be a game changer for Nigeria particularly for Kaduna State as no community will be exempted from the massive economic benefits which the AKK pipeline poses to offer. He further noted NNPC’s commitment to domestic gas expansion in Nigeria while adding that the Federal Government of Nigeria has recently revised the gas pricing framework to ensure affordability and accessibility of gas to consumers in Nigeria. Mallam Kyari also confirmed the workability of the gas pricing framework as he noted that gas is already being delivered to some parts of the country.

GACN NNPC KSG MOU 6
GACN NNPC KSG MOU 5
GACN NNPC KDSG MOU 8
GACN NNPC KDSG MOU 11
GACN NNPC KSG MOU 2
GACN NNPC KDSG MOU 10
GACN NNPC KDSG MOU 12
GACN NNPC KSG MOU 3
GACN NNPC KSG MOU 7
GACN NNPC KSG MOU 1
GACN NNPC KDSG MOU 9
Previous
Next

Mallam El-Rufai, while emphasising the relevance of gas to Kaduna state noted that the supply of gas to Kaduna state will provide an additional source of energy for residents and businesses, especially industries that have responded with enthusiasm to the state’s investment promotion campaign while simultaneously creating jobs for the citizens. He further disclosed that the state government has worked assiduously to create two new industrial areas since 2015, namely; the Green Economic Zone (GEZ) which is being developed as an industrial park for light manufacturing industries in the Igabi local government area of the state and the Green Agro-Allied industrial zone (GAAIZ) which is already hosting investments like the Olam project in the chikun local government area of the state. He also noted that the African Development Bank (“AFDB”) will be financing the Special Agro-Processing Zone (“SAPZ”) within the GAAIZ. He thanked GACN and NNPC for their time and efforts towards increased gas commercialization in Kaduna state.

Mr. Ogunleye in his remark, appreciated the commitment, efforts and enthusiasm of NNPC and the KDSG towards economic development through gas expansion. He gave his reassurance that GACN will do all that is required to ensure affordable gas supply to credible consumers in Kaduna state while noting that the decade of gas is here to stay.

External Related Articles

Commercialisation of Natural Gas Resources to Boost Economy, Says Kyari

KDSG, NNPC sign MoU on gas supply to boost industrial growth

Articles  ·  Events
THE 2021 GAS SECTOR STAKEHOLDERS’ FORUM

The mandate of Gas Aggregation Company Nigeria Limited (“GACN”) as spelt out in the 2008 National Gas Supply and Pricing Policy is to drive gas commercialization within the domestic market in the pursuit of a sustainable National economic growth path. To this end, GACN organized the 2021 gas sector stakeholders’ forum themed “Optimizing the Economic Development Capacity of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (“AKK”’ Gas Pipeline Project” on 28th and 29th July, 2021(“the Forum”) at the Afficent Event Center, Kano, Kano State, with the objective of sensitizing the business community in the AKK host States and potential investors on the economic benefits of the AKK pipeline while also presenting interim (virtual) gas supply solutions pending the completion of the AKK pipeline.

The Forum recorded a remarkable attendance with a cumulative attendance (physical and virtual) of over a thousand (1000) participants, and with high-profile representations from the Federal Government, the AKK State Governments, gas producers, transporters, offtakers (power producers, LDCs, GBIs, mini-LNG, etc.), financiers, among others.

In his welcome address, the chairman of the Board of GACN, Engr. Mansur Sambo emphasized that the AKK Pipeline is poised to restore the vibrancy of the industrial sector and stir commercial activities in the North especially in Kano state.

DSC_6495
DSC_6568-Recovered
DSC_6689-Recovered
DSC_6678-Recovered
DSC_6620-Recovered
DSC_6549-Recovered
DSC_7073
DSC_6778-Recovered
DSC_6429
DSC_6557
DSC_6672
DSC_7004
Previous
Next

While declaring the Forum open, President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva noted that the AKK Forum is geared towards sensitizing the northern part of Nigeria about the economic benefits of the AKK Pipeline. He noted that the commissioning of the AKK Pipeline will come with various economic opportunities including revamping of moribund industries within the AKK states and other states around the corridors of the AKK Pipeline. Notably, he seized the opportunity to announce the reduction of the price of gas-to-power from $2.50|Mscf to $2.18|Mscf with immediate effect. He added that, with the downward review in gas pricing to the power sector, Nigeria may henceforth experience improvement in electricity supply.

In his keynote address, the Group Managing Director (“GMD”) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (“NNPC”), Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari emphasized the significance of gas to the economic growth of the AKK States and the Nation at large. He further assured the Nation that the Federal Government of Nigeria (“FGN”) and NNPC are working assiduously to ensure the completion and commissioning of the pipeline within the project completion timeline of 2023.

While delivering his goodwill message, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, commended the FGN for the progress made towards the completion of the AKK Pipeline. He noted that the AKK Pipeline would stimulate socio-economic activities in Kano state. He further called on well-meaning Nigerians and foreign investors to continue to execute similar development projects.

DSC_6617
DSC_5813
DSC_5821 copy
DSC_5979 copy
DSC_5889 copy
DSC_5984 copy
Previous
Next

While highlighting the investment opportunities in Kano State, the governor of Kano State, Dr. Umar Ganduje noted that the Kano State Government has continued to prioritise peace and stability as part of its strategy to engender investment. He further noted that there are over 160 functional industries in the Bompai, Tokarawa, Challawa and Sharada industrial layouts, however, over 201 industries are moribund. He added that these industries are set to be revived with the impending commissioning of the AKK pipeline while noting that Kano State will regain its status as the biggest commercial hub in West Africa.

The governments of Kaduna, Nassarawa, Niger and Kogi States while speaking on gas development opportunities and showcasing their respective States, outlined investment attractions and considerations in their respective States.

The Forum also featured a dynamic collection of speakers who took to the stage to deliver addresses and papers on topical issues. Notably, the President and CEO of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote while speaking on “Concrete Steps to Optimize the Benefits of the AKK” noted that without the AKK Pipeline, the FGN may not be able to meet its target of creating 100 million jobs in 10 years. The Honourable Minister of Finance, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board, the Director, Department of Petroleum Resources, the Honourable Minister for Power, the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, the MD of Nigerian Gas Company Limited, the MD of Nigerian Gas Marketing Company Limited, the MD of ND Western Limited and other esteemed speakers were also present to lend their voices to the economic benefits of the AKK Pipeline.

The Forum also featured other activities including the Business Engagement Session as well as the exhibitions by industry stakeholders. On Wednesday, 28th July, 2021, there was also the Cultural Night which was organized to celebrate and connect guests to the culture and heritage of the Northern region.

The Managing Director and CEO of GACN, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye while giving his closing remarks, assured Stakeholders that GACN will continue to engage with Stakeholders to ensure optimization of gas utilization opportunities. He added that a framework and an action plan for optimizing the economic development contribution of the AKK project has been developed for implementation. He expressed his gratitude to the Board, Management and Staff of GACN as well as the FGN, Sponsors, the AKK State governments and other industry Stakeholders for their enormous contributions towards the success of the Forum and the activities of GACN.

Articles  ·  Events
GACN-NURTW-NARTO-MAN GAS SECTOR OPPORTUNITIES MEETING

Consistent with the  FGN’s  focus  towards ensuring that gas  significantly contributes to industrialization of the Nation, the Honourable Minster of State for Petroleum Resources, His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, declared 2020-2030  as the Decade of Gas. The above declaration is part of the  deliberate efforts to ensure  Nigeria optimizes its vast Gas resource to stimulate economic development. GACN  has identified Kano State as a regional Gas hub and accordingly, has chosen the state as the host for the upcoming 2021 Stakeholders Forum (AKK Forum), with the Theme “Optimizing the economic development capacity of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline project.It is in this regard that GACN  organised a gas sector opportunities meeting with the transporters and manufacturers/Industrialists  in kano state on Thursday, 1st July 2021which culminated in an engagment session with members of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) & National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and another session with Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) wherein  Gas Sector participants/stakeholders discussed the prospects of converting from alternate fuels to natural gas as an
industrial fuel or  transportation fuel.

 

As part of the discussion,the managing director and Chief Executive Officer of GACN, Mr Olalekan Ogunleye, assured the investors that GACN has come up with a flexible scheme for conversion of vehicles and industries which is a bonus to the vehicle owners because there will be a potential 30% decrease in overall operational cost. He notified them of numerous companies that deal with conversion, like Borkir, the Dangote subsidiary who have converted over 5,000 vehicles and intent to make it on
commercial scale, while Greenville have a plan to convert 1,000 vehicles in the
immediate term. Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye also explained further by assuring them that
Gas is cleaner and more efficient than any alternative fuel. The Executive Chairman of AKK Pipeline Project Delivery & Industrialization Committee, Kano State, Engr. Mu’azu Magaji informed the participants that the kano state government has provided 1,000 hectares of land for a new industrial city in Tamburawa, Kano which is designated to be the 5th industrial estate in kano.

In conclusion, the stakeholders appreciated and expressed their support for GACN and the AKK forum.

Articles  ·  Publications
IMPORTANCE OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE

As with most things in life, moderation is the key. People who are constantly tied to their jobs deal with the symptoms of stress and burnout. Overworked employees are more likely to suffer health problems, more likely to be absent and/or sick, less efficient, less sociable, and overall more difficult to work with. It is in the best interest of both the employee and employer to avoid these pitfalls through smart human resource management.

Now that we’re clear around what work life balance is and who it’s for, let’s go through the top 9 reasons why work life balance is important.

Reason #1: Work Life Balance Means Less Stress

Work place stress causes about 7 million Nigerians to suffer from stress and depression annually, which usually leads to death. Most Nigerians identify their jobs as their main source of stress.

The biggest problem is that most people think they have no choice, but that’s not really true.

Remember that work life balance is ultimately created through your choices, that is also what is causing most of your stress. By agreeing to take on more work when you don’t have the capacity or not delegating work that could be delegated, you’re creating more stress for yourself.

Here are the choices you could start making for yourself to relieve a lot of your stress and anxiety:

·         Saying NO to things that aren’t priorities.

·         Delegating as much as can be delegated.

·         Choosing to do things that are priorities (and letting go of non-priorities).

·         Prioritizing your own well-being.

The end result is a more manageable workload and more time doing the things that are important to you. That’s going to greatly decrease your stress and anxiety levels.

 

Reason #2: Work Life Balance will improve your mental health

One of the biggest reasons why work life balance is important is because it relates to your mental health. When you feel balanced you’re more capable of dealing with negative emotions and thoughts.

The human brain isn’t meant to feel stressed-out and under pressure all the time.

Creating more balance in your life gives you breathing space to think, which allows your subconscious thoughts to bubble up to the surface.

Reason #3: Work Life Balance Means Better Physical Health

Part of creating a balance for yourself includes taking care of your physical health. And yes, that includes things like:

·         Eating healthy meals.

·         Reducing sugar and alcohol intake.

·         Healthy sleep habits.

·         Regular exercise.

Most professionals are chained to a desk most of the day and glued to your couch at night because of how exhausted and stressed they are.

That means that most professionals are often found sitting and never outside.

 

The simple fact is that human beings aren’t meant to sit so much, nor are they meant to be cooped up indoors. You’re meant to stand, move and get outdoors. That means that achieving balance includes more movement and outdoor activity.

Reason #4: A Balance Lifestyle Enhances Your Ability to Be Present

One of the biggest complaints from most people is the inability to be present (both at home and at work). What that looks like is this:

·         Your mind feels like it’s always “on”, racing and cluttered with thoughts that can sometimes be difficult to interpret.

·         Always thinking about work when with family and friends (which the leads you to constantly check email).

·         Worrying about what’s going on in your personal life when trying to work (such as your overflowing laundry, family etc.)

The good new is that your brain can be trained to be more present and calmer through consistent practice of specific mindfulness practices. Doing that is part of how you create a balanced life.

 

Reason #5: Work Life Balance Improves Your Relationships

Working too much means less time with those you love, but it also means less quality time with them too. It’s pretty difficult to be present and give others your full attention when exhausted and overwhelmed.

A balanced lifestyle means more time with family and friends that’s high quality

 

Having a balanced lifestyle means developing deep connections with other people (and not just family, but colleagues and friends too).

Reason #6: A Balanced Lifestyle Increases Engagement at Work

When employees are happy and feel motivated by their job, they’re more likely to be loyal and engaged. Being engaged is about feeling committed to something so that your do your best.

 

Many employers falsely believe that engagement is created through pressure or incentives. Although this might work (a little) in the short-term, it ultimately creates stress, anxiety and resentment. That’s not exactly a recipe for long term engagement or morale

 

Reason #7: Work Life Balance Increases Creative Thinking

The brain needs space to think, it is not meant to be constantly bombarded by people, social media, email, phone calls and texts.

When you’re stressed, overwhelmed and/or anxious, you have no capacity to think creatively, but with balance comes clear, creative thinking, and that means better work product too.

 

Reason #8: Real Balance Brings Happiness and Fulfillment

One of the biggest reasons why work life balance is important is for your own happiness and fulfillment. Balance is about feeling good about yourself and being in control of your life and career path.

Reason #9: Work Life Balance Brings Higher Levels of Success

There’s a misconception that balance doesn’t work for those who want to be successful but that is just not true, it is based on a common misconception that work life is about settling for less. Work life balance is about creating a life of success on your terms by:

·         Prioritizing and focusing on what’s most important to you;

·         Ensuring your own well-being (thereby enabling you to serve others to the best of your ability); and

·         Being in control of your life.

A balanced lifestyle makes you more well-rounded, a more creative thinker and more productive, that means, you’ll have more ability for success in both your personal and professional life.

 

 

 

 

 

Credit: Heather Moulder, J.D, ACC(2021) 

https://www.pasadenavilla.com/2019/05/08/work-life-balance-importance/

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210302-why-work-life-balance-is-not-an-achievement

Articles  ·  Events
MEDIA CONTENTS ON POST NIPS CONFERENCE

The Nigerian International Petroleum Summit hosted a conference from 5th June,2021 through 10th June, 2021 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. The theme of the conference was from “Crisis to opportunities-new approaches to the future of hydrocarbon” and it was very elaborate and successful. Dignitaries from all over the world attended and participated in sessions on diverse topics on Gas, these topics were discussed, elaborated and dissected on the emerging opportunities on gas and how this can be leverage to accelerate these opportunities. Solutions were proffered by taking note of the impending challenges within the sector.

“GACN has become a one- stop-shop for Gas commercialization and value expansion in the domestic Gas sector.” 

GACN shared a booth with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources where its corporate information and fliers were show cased and an interesting lecture about the role GACN play in the domestic markets was given by Mr Donald Iloba. He also Enlightened the public on the July AKK Forum on the 29th July,2021 at kano, including the benefits of this important economic development initiative.

The CEO of GACN Mr Olalekan Ogunleye actively took part as a panellist at the conference. He explained the current role and achievements of GACN while concluding that indeed, GACN has become a one- stop-shop for Gas commercialization and value expansion in the domestic Gas sector.

Articles  ·  Events  ·  News Clip
GACN-DAILY TRUST GAS UTILIZATION PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT COLLABORATION

Daily trust newspaper in forging partnership with GACN has again made the bond stronger by publishing on print and online as drawing the attention of the public to the role GACN is playing and will continue to play in its power to optimize the economic development capacity of the Ajaokuta-kaduna-kano “AKK” gas pipeline project.

The AKK forum which will host dignitaries and high-profile personalities will be hosted on July 29th at Afficient event centre kano. The forum which will support the realization of industrialization focuses on AKK – the biggest gas pipeline in Nigeria. The AKK pipeline will create and enable the supply of sufficient domestic gas supply to the market and harness the nation gas reserves to stimulate rapid industrialization.

Nigerian pilot was not left out in its quest to collaborate with GACN in terms of media publicity. The newspaper also conjoined with daily trust on assuring and supporting GACN by highlighting the objectives of the forum and its achievements once completed.

DSC_7530
DSC_7524
DSC_7528
Previous
Next

Related Article

FG moves to boost local use of Natural Gas

Page 4 of 7